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Monday, August 7, 2017

After
China was handed over operations of Hambantota port, India has
expressed interest to gain operational responsibilities of Colombo port,
reports say.

Government sources say India previously showed an interest about the oil
tanks in Trincomalee and an economic zone in the area. Now, it is
focusing its attention on the eastern supplies terminal of the Colombo
port.

Indian authorities are holding talks with development strategy minister
Malik Samarawickrema, who has agreed to their suggestion in an
unofficial manner, say the sources.

Meanwhile, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told the media recently
that the SLPA had developed the eastern supplies terminal at a cost of
Rs. 10,800 million. However, the economic committee led by the prime
minister had decided to sell an 85 per cent stake of the terminal, while
retaining only 15 pc of its shares.

But, president Maithripala Sirisena vowed at the 38th anniversary
celebration of SLPA recently that the terminal would not be sold for any
reason.

Reports say India is displeased over China’s entry to the scene at
Hambantota port and raised its concerns with both government ministers
and leaders of the joint opposition. Thereafter, Namal Rajapaksa said
the neighbouring India would be in difficulties after the government got
a Chinese company’s involved to handle the strategically important
H’tota port. The JO is trying to win over India by taking advantage of
the divisions within government ranks over this matter, and has even
been contacted by Indian spy services. That is why government ministers
have said a foreign intelligence service was behind the JO’s sabotaging
of the parliamentary debate on the issue.

However, the government says it is not opposed to attempts to pacify
India. In view of the Colombo port’s South Asia Gateway Terminal being
given to Australia and international container terminal jetty to China, a
handover of the eastern terminal to India will not happen. If that
happens, the state’s role in the port’s operations will be completely
weakened, and there will be strong worker opposition. Therefore, the
government wants to get Indian involvement in the Trioncomalee oil tanks
complex and official level talks with India in that regard will take
place.